Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Horsham held its Disestablishment Ceremony, closing its 68-year history with a final flight from the base on Wednesday, March 30.

For years, NAS ARB Willow Grove was home of an A-10 Thunderbolt II unit: The 103rd Fighter Squadron, 111th Fighter Wing (Pennsylvania Air National Guard).

An A-10 Warthog taxies past a Sea Stallion helicopter as it approaches it's final flight from the Willow Grove Naval Air Station. (Photo by David M. Warren / Staff Photographer)

Note: Pictured is A-10 78-0704.

Related news articles:

Willow Grove sees final departures

By Jeremy Roebuck, Inquirer Staff WriterPosted on Thu, Mar. 31, 2011

Seven military aircraft powered up their engines and taxied slowly along the runway, as if hesitant to leave the ground.

Yet one by one, the hulking C-130 turboprop, the nimble A-10 Thunderbolt, and an assortment of other helicopters and jet fighters took off - hurtling down the 8,000-foot stretch of pavement for what would ultimately be a one-way trip.

"Willow Grove, thanks for the 68 years of dedicated service," a radio trafficker's voice squawked as the last plane disappeared into a gray afternoon sky.

Then, the runway lights went dark.

On Wednesday, the last military aircraft at Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Horsham took their final flight, headed to a new home at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

The Horsham base, which has been scheduled for closure since 2005, will remain open for six months as military personnel clear out and shut down operations. Wednesday's ceremony marked not only the closing of a now-decommissioned runway but the end of an era for the community that housed it and American aviation itself.

During nearly seven decades, that stretch of runway sent thousands of U.S. service members off to wars in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East; witnessed technological breakthroughs that helped lead to the development of the helicopter; and transformed a patch of barren landscape into a growing suburban hub.

"As disappointing as it is for many to see this day come, I think we can say it's been a good run," said Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel, commander of the Navy's Mid-Atlantic region. "There's certainly plenty to be proud of here."

What would become one of the area's largest economic generators began with a man seeking the isolation to let his dreams soar.

Harold Pitcairn, son of Pittsburgh manufacturing tycoon John Pitcairn, identified what was in 1926 a nondescript patch of farmland as an ideal space to build airplanes after his neighbors in Bryn Athyn ran his plan out of town.

Horsham, with its wide-open spaces, suited Pitcairn's purposes fine. During the next two decades, his field - along what is now Route 611 - would become the birthplace of many new aircraft and a few flights of fancy. There, he developed the country's first airmail business with his Mailwing plane - an enterprise that would become Eastern Airlines, shuttling correspondence between New York and Atlanta.

Pitcairn also bought French patents for a winged airplane with a rotor on top and developed them into a craft known as the Autogiro. The plane drew crowds for its ability to take off at steep angles and land nearly vertically. Its technology would become the basis for the helicopter.

In 1931, he coaxed Amelia Earhart to take off from the runway in a heavily publicized cross-country race - a contest she lost after stopping for frequent pit stops to socialize with onlookers.

Pitcairn gave up his aviation business in 1942 and sold the land to the Navy at the height of World War II. The base quickly became a staging ground for military personnel and their families as well as for projects including the search for an effective deterrent to German submarines.

But even then, "plankholders" - the term given to the first naval crew members assigned to a newly commissioned ship or base - considered the airstrip's muddy environs as "out in the sticks."

"Back in those days, it was still pretty isolated," said Howard Minogue, who worked on training flights in the '40s. He traveled from Tennessee to attend Wednesday's ceremony.

Gradually, though, Willow Grove expanded its operations through the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars and in 1994 became one of the military's first joint reserve bases, housing operations for the Air Force, Pennsylvania National Guard, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps on the same 1,100-acre property.

As the base grew, Horsham followed.

Military men and women settled in the area, many opting to stay after their stints in service. Civilians who moved nearby grew accustomed to the near-constant thrum of jet engines overhead.

Like many, Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel III - who grew up in nearby Abington - recalls childhood trips with his family, driving up 611 and parking to watch aircraft take off.

"I grew up with those planes," he said. "Then, I took my kids to see them."

These days, more than 25,000 people call what was once Pitcairn's isolated plot home. Some estimate the base and its staff generate as much as $800 million in property- and sales-tax revenue to the surrounding area a year.

But with the runway's final flight behind it, its future remains up in the air. The town the runway helped create is set to play a deciding role in determining its future.

Some groups, including Montgomery County and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, advocate preserving the airstrip for possible future commercial use, but Horsham's Township Council remains vehemently opposed keeping the runway intact.

Instead, they and other municipalities, including Montgomery and Warminster Townships, have proposed turning the entire tract over to redevelopment.

The Horsham Land Reuse Authority, an independent board composed mainly of government officials and business leaders, is expected to present a final proposal to the Navy by the end of the year.

In the meantime, the Navy will continue to dismantle its operations.

Nearly all service members are set to vacate Willow Grove by Sept. 15. A handful of National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers will remain, and the Air Force will maintain administrative offices on the property.

But as Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, commander of the Navy Reserve Force, gave Willow Grove its final farewell Wednesday, he abandoned questions over the base's future, opting instead to focus on its past.

"A lot of ordinary living took place on this base," he said. "Babies were born. Couples were wed. Birthdays were celebrated.

Final aircraft leave Willow Grove Naval Air Station as base gets ready to close

By Associated PressMarch 31, 2011

The runway lights have gone dark at a suburban Philadelphia military base that's slated to close.

The last seven military aircraft departed the Willow Grove Naval Air Station on Wednesday. Military personnel will stick around another six months as the base shuts down for good after 68 years of service.

The base was recommended for closure in 2005 and a proposal to keep it open as a state-owned installation ultimately failed.

An independent board is scheduled to present a redevelopment proposal to the Navy by the end of the year.

The air station was known to anyone who drove Route 611 to Philadelphia. Historic planes for many years were displayed just inside the air station fence alone the well-traveled state road.

An A-10 from the 111th Fighter Wing lands in 2005 at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Willow Grove Pa. (AP File Photo)

Officials at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station are holding a gala "Base Disestablishment Ceremony" on Wednesday to mark the history and military contribution of the installation that will officially close later this year.

Even though the actual base closure date is Sept. 15, the ceremony is being held to highlight its 68 years of military service and to show the military's appreciation to the numerous local community business owners, individuals and organizations that have supported the military men and women and their families stationed onboard NAS JRB Willow Grove in Horsham Township.

According to Public Affairs Officer Sherri Jones, the event is not open to the general public, but 500 printed invitations were mailed out to people and organizations instrumental in operations over the past several decades, including some who helped build the base.

While there will be a few planes taking off after the ceremonies for the last time, Jones said the event is not an air show and residents are being strongly discouraged from attempting to get vantage points on area roads, especially on Route 611.

Read all about the event, complete with pictures, in Thursday's Intelligencer print and online editions.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

I'm now in contact with aviation photographer Juvenal Castro from Portugal. And I like to welcome Juvenal as my latest Warthog News contributor. After posting his video Video: A-10's landing at Lajes on my blog, he has provided me some of his A-10 stopover shots, taken at Lajes Field, Azores.

Let me present his latest pictures of A-10Cs from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron enroute Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, all photos taken on March 9, 2011:

Pictured in the background from left are:A-10Cs 81-0990, 82-0660 (marked 76 FS), 78-0688

BTW: It's very helpful to have photographers at Lajes for documenting A-10 stopovers enroute or back from USCENTAF locations, just called the "Sandbox" by U.S. servicemembers. They provide uniqe pictures, never released by official U.S. Air Force news.

An air traffic controller watches a Boeing 757 pass by as it prepares to park during a homecoming at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., March 29. The aircraft brought back more than 100 Airmen to their families and home station after a six-month deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

Master Sgt. Travis Eberly, 75th Fighter Squadron aircraft section chief, holds his daughter Makenzie while being interviewed by local media at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., March 29. Sergeant Eberly returned home after a six-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and said the return was overwhelming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

USS MOUNT WHITNEY, In Port, Mar 29, 2011 — A U.S. Navy P-3C Maritime Patrol aircraft, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft and guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52) engaged Libyan Coast Guard vessel Vittoria and two smaller crafts after confirmed reports that Vittoria and accompanying craft were firing indiscriminately at merchant vessels in the port of Misratah, Libya, during the evening March 28, 2011.

The P-3C fired at Vittoria with AGM-65F Maverick missiles after multiple explosions were observed in the vicinity of the port rendering the 12-meter patrol vessel ineffective and forcing it to be beached.

Two small crafts were fired upon by an A-10 using its 30mm GAU-8/ Avenger Gatling cannon, destroying one and forcing the other to be abandoned.

Barry provided situational awareness for the aircraft by managing the airspace and maintaining the maritime picture.

The P-3C, A-10 and Barry are currently supporting operations for Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn.

Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

According to a Pentagon press briefing held yesterday, A-10C Thunderbolt IIs have already attacked Libyan regime forces threatening civilians. In direct response to a reporter's question, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, director of the Joint Staff, said: "We have employed A-10s and AC-130s over the weekend."

Involved should be A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Figher Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany. As already mentioned on the Dutch Scramble Messagebord, six of the squadron's aircraft arrived at Aviano AB, Italy, on Friday, March 25, 2011 (Callsign Attack 01-06). In order of landing were logged: 81-0980, 81-0976, 81-0966, 81-0965, 82-0650 and 82-0649.

Sorry! But because the coalition was talking only about a no-fly zone, I did'nt really expected any A-10C involvement. And so, for some days, I overlooked Scramble's latest OOD deployment info.

On the other hand, I also thinked about a possible involvement of 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron A-10Cs which are now on their way back home from Afghanistan to Moody AFB, Georgia.

But a very helpful private contact in the United States e-mailed me later today: We will have to start calling them the "Lost Squadron" pretty soon. They are still stuck in Quatar waiting for tanker support. They are hoping to get out this weekend and have resorted to trying to find their own gas and tankers for the trip.

That means: The ten returning 75th EFS A-10Cs are still on stopover at Al Udeid AB, Quatar, home of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. Let find the assigned pilots and maintainers any way to went home soon after their half-year Afghanistan combat deployment. Good luck!

Official background info:

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, director of the Joint Staff, conducts a press briefing about the current situation in Libya at the Pentagon, March 28, 2011. (DOD photo by Cherie Cullen)

Q: Admiral, the effect if not the intention of western intervention in Libya with air power has been to help the rebels regain the initiative. As your first map showed, they've gone on the offensive and moving westward. I'm wondering if you intend to exploit that success by adding additional aircraft to the -- to the fight, like close air-support aircraft like the A-10?

ADM. GORTNEY: Well, first off, we're not in direct support of the opposition. It's not part of our mandate, sir. And we're not coordinating with the opposition. Our strategy continues to be to pressure him where we think it's going to give us the best effect. We see that possibly occurring here, but given the events that you see on the battlefield. And anytime that you do see an opportunity like that, good commanders in the field will try and exploit that opportunity. And you see if we -- the number of the strike sorties that you saw, I think, is a direct result of that.

Q: And the aircraft that I mentioned, are you having A-10s and AC-130s?

ADM. GORTNEY: We have employed A-10s and AC-130s over the weekend. Yes, sir.

Q: Can you say where and in what capacity and --

ADM. GORTNEY: No, I'm not able to tell you that at this time.

Q: So it was Saturday and Sunday?

ADM. GORTNEY: Yeah, it was over the weekend. Yes, sir.

[...]

Q: You're using the Warthog, the A-10, and then the AC-130Us, I guess. Are those allowing you to attack Gadhafi's forces in the cities now --

ADM. GORTNEY: I'm not -- I'm not going to talk about specifically how any of the weapons systems are being employed.

Q: Thanks.

[...]

Q: Admiral, I think by definition, the A-10 and the AC-130 are defined as combat-support aircraft. Obviously, you're not in coordination with the ground forces, the opposition, but what -- these aircraft are clearly targeting Libyan -- Gadhafi's forces, maneuver brigades, I guess. Is that the message, that with these aircraft we're going to take you out?

ADM. GORTNEY: Well, both those platforms are -- expend precision munitions. So do F-16s, so do F-18s, so do Rafales. They're precision munitions. So it's really the -- it's not so much the platform as the weapon that's expending it.

So I don't call them combat support. They're combat aircraft, and they deliver a precision effect.

[...]

One of the slides, presented during this Pentagon press briefing. It shows different attacks against "Maneuver Forces".

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2011 – Moammar Gadhafi's forces are feeling the effects of the coalition attacking command and control centers and logistics hubs, as evidenced by the progress the Libyan opposition has made, the director of the Joint Staff said during a Pentagon briefing today.

Coalition aircraft – now including Air Force A-10 Warthogs and AC-130s – have attacked regime forces threatening civilians. They also have hit command and control centers, ammunition supply points, missile sites and radars.

Monday, March 28, 2011

At Tucson International Airport, Arizona, Warthog News contributor James O'Rear from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shot:

A-10C 80-0141 from the 357th Fighter Squadron "Dragons" taxis back to her temporary home at Tucson International Airport, Arizona, while the runway at Davis-Monthan AFB is re-surfaced. (Photo by James O'Rear)Full size

This news article has been published in "The Flying Razorback", official newspaper of the 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas Air National Guard), Fort Smith, Arkansas, April 2011 public online PDF issue, probably released today.

Col. Bradley Peterson waves to his family before taxiing off the flightline before his final flight with the 188th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sgt. Stephen Hornsey)Full size

Note: Col. Bradley Peterson in the cockpit of A-10C 78-0638.

By Airman 1st Class John Hillier188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The military aviation community has a long-standing tradition, almost as old as the community itself, of honoring a servicemember upon his or her final flight, or "fini-flight." The pilot's aircraft is welcomed with a cascade of water from fire trucks, and the pilot himself is greeted with a shower of water and champagne from friends and family. On March 6, the 188th welcomed its wing vice commander, Col. Bradley E. Peterson, back to Earth one last time in accordance with this time-honored tradition.

On hand to participate in the occasion were Peterson's wife and two children, as well as fellow pilots and several 188th Airmen from various specialties.

Peterson, who is scheduled to step down as the 188th wing vice commander later this year, spent almost 20 years flying F-16 Falcons and made the transition to A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" with the 188th in 2007. Peterson joined the 188th in 1993,and was named the wing vice commander in 2008. Peterson served as the 188th Operations Group commander prior to his role as the wing's vice commander.

Recounting his memories with the 188th, Peterson said his favorites were deployments, especially his most recent one in 2005 to Balad Air Base, Iraq, where the unit supported Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"It's been a great career, and a great family experience, too," Peterson said.

For his fini-flight, Peterson flew two sorties with a hot-pit refuel in between, which is unusual, said his wingman for the flight, Col. Thomas I. Anderson, the 188th wing commander.

Even while soaking wet from his ceremonial dousing, Peterson was all smiles with his family afterwards. Peterson said he plans to spend more time with his wife, and travel more often to his children's college events. Peterson said he will also have more time to devote to his civilian job in the flight operations management for United Airlines.

"I have certainly enjoyed serving with him," Anderson said. "He is the model for 'service before self.' He is always concerned with what's best for the unit without regard for himself. He set the standard for that. There are some big shoes to fill."

Colonel Brad Peterson is the vice wing commander, 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard, located at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Ark. He assumed his current position in June 2008.

Colonel Peterson is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He graduated with a bachelors degree in aeronautical engineering in 1985. He earned his wings in June 1986 at Vance Air Force Base, where he was a distinguished graduate.

Upon completion of pilot training, he was assigned to MacDill AFB, Fla., where he completed F-16 initial qualification training. He reported for his first operational tour in the F-16 with the 309th "Wild Ducks" at Homestead AFB, Fla. In December 1989, Col. Peterson was reassigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron, "The Juvats," at Kunsan AB, South Korea.

Colonel Peterson was next assigned to the 85th Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla. While there, he served as an operational test pilot and engineer, developing future weapon systems and aircraft enhancements for the F-16 block 30/40/50. Colonel Peterson is a graduate of the United States Air Force F-16 Fighter Weapons Instructor Course. He completed Air War College in 2004.

After 12 years on active duty, Col. Peterson joined the Arkansas Air National Guard as a pilot with the "Flying Razorbacks." He has served as an instructor pilot, chief of weapons and tactics, chief of standards and evaluations, 188th Operations Support Squadron commander, F-16 fighter squadron commander, 188th Operations Group commander.

A command pilot, Col. Peterson has logged over 2,900 hours in the F-16. Colonel Peterson has conducted combat and combat support operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Southern Watch and Operation Noble Eagle. He has also flown in combat operations in South Korea, Bosnia and Kuwait. While a traditional Guardsman, Col. Peterson is an airline captain and instructor pilot. Colonel Peterson has logged over 8,000 hours flight hours in both fighter and transport aircraft.

Education:1985 Bachelor of Science degree, Aeronautical Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado1995 U.S.A.F Fighter Weapons Instructor Course1996 Air Command and Staff2004 Air War College

Joe "Dice-man" Hodges, a long time "Hog" maintainer, webmaster of The Warthog Pen, and among the moderators of the Warthog Territory Forums, has placed one of his historic Fairchild Republic A-10 ties up for sale on eBay. I'm sure A-10 fans will be interested in this (item number 110667211348).Seller's item description

This item is a small piece of A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" history. It's a 54" tie given by the Farichild Republic Company to deserving people during the 70s. and 80s. I was told the company had two styles of ties, one given to maintaince and other personal and, one given to A-10 pilots only. This is the style given to pilots. It's made by the Superba company and is dark blue with white A-10s embroidered on the entire length of the tie. The Fairchild Republic logo is also in the background of the tie.

The tie is in good shape except for one hole where the tie was knotted (see photo) which I would think could be repaired. Own this little slice of A-10 and Fairchild Republic history... all in one item. The O/A-10A is now the A-10C so this tie is even more historic because is dates back to the early days of the "Warthog"! If you have questions feel free to contact me.

Maybe that ten A-10Cs of the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, returning from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, are still delayed at Al Udeid AB, Qatar, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, due to a tanker lack after starting recent Libya combat missions (Operation Odyssey Dawn). Some days ago from a personal contact from the United States I got the following e-mail: Delayed in Qatar. No tankers because of Libya.

Hope they will return home save soon, avoiding any current Libya combat task.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

First known official pictures of the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia, currently deployed for six months to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, were released today by 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs:

A pilot sitting in the cockpit of A-10C 81-0947. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Willard E. Grande II)Hi-res

Very interesting shot of five A-10Cs sitting in their revetments on the ramp at Kandahar Airfield, probably the new ramp in the south. Pictured at right is A-10C 79-0189 with Sniper XR targeting pod on station 2 and SUU-25 Flare Dispenser on station 9. Note the external fuel tanks stored besides the revetment walls. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Willard E. Grande II)Hi-res

Airman 1st Class Ronald Steinhelfer runs through a pre-flight check list with the pilot of an A-10C Thunderbolt II March 24, 2011, at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Airman Steinhelfer is an A-10 avionics specialist stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., but currently assigned to the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Willard E. Grande II)Hi-res

Airmen from the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron ensure that the fuel system of an A-10C Thunderbolt II is ready for flight March 24, 2011, at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. The Airmen are A-10 fuel systems specialists stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Willard E. Grande II)Hi-res

Friday, March 25, 2011

Lt. Col. James Marks, commander, 917th Operations Support Flight, and Master Sgt. Edward Fairchild, dedicated crew chief, answer questions about the A-10 Thunderbolt at the "Wings Over The Red Fly-In and Airport Open House" hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Associate, Chapter 343 at the Shreveport Downtown Airport in Shreveport, La., March 19, 2011. More than 24 static displays were available for visitors to view at the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-res

3/24/2011 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- An A-10 Thunderbolt was a highlight of the more than 24 static displays at the "Wings Over The Red Fly-In and Airport Open House" hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Associate, Chapter 343 at the Shreveport Downtown Airport in Shreveport, La., March 19, 2011.

The A-10 from the 917th Fighter Group at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., stood out among the experimental and vintage aircraft on display. Lt. Col. James Marks, commander, 917th Operations Support Flight and Master Sgt. Edward Fairchild, dedicated crew chief, 917th FG, were on hand to explain the capabilities of the aircraft to the visitors and other pilots there for the event.

"As pilots, we share this airspace, and we have a good working relationship. It's always a good thing when we can talk to other pilots in the area about what we do at Barksdale," said Colonel Marks. "We want pilots to know what we are doing out here as military aviators, so we can avoid mishaps."

During the open house, Marion Cole, who is an air show legend, was presented an award for a life time of flying. Often described as "the best pilot you've never heard of," Mr. Cole had his commercial and instructor rating by the age of 18, and soon joined the Navy's Reserve program. He started flying air shows in 1946. Marion Cole has logged more than 30,000 hours flying.

David H. Leedom, who is the son of Lt. Col. David Leedom, commander, 93rd Bomb Squadron, completed his initial solo with Marion Cole ten years ago when he was only 16 years old.

The "Wings Over The Red Fly-In and Airport Open House" also featured six general aviation aircraft and pilots who flew Young Eagles aviation students on short flights around the Downtown Airport area. The EAA Young Eagles program was created to welcome young people into the world of aviation. The experience is designed to give the participants a new perspective on the world and life in general.

The Shreveport Downtown Airport was the original air carrier airport in Shreveport, La., dating back to 1931.The same year, the airport received its first commercial airline when Delta Air lines chose a route through Shreveport as part of its initial flight schedule. The route consisted of Dallas to Shreveport and on to Monroe, La., and to Jackson, Miss.

A free hamburger lunch was provided by the EAA for pilots and support personnel of the general aviation aircraft that were flown in for the event. Millen Air also provided 50 gallons of free fuel to the general aviation aircraft that was flown in from the farthest distance away.

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs March 22, 2011 (updated with a new headline and new photo captions last night:

Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, and Kevin Eldridge, P-40 demonstration pilot, stand in front of a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk at the 34th Annual Warbird Airshow March 12. The theme of the airshow was honoring the 70th anniversary of the Flying Tigers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

A Curtiss P-40 Warhawk is prepared for flight during the at the 34th Annual Warbird Airshow honoring the 70th Anniversary of the Flying Tigers March 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

An A-10C Thunderbolt II is flown by Maj. Dylan Thorpe, A-10 East Demonstration Team pilot, at the 34th Annual Warbird Airshow honoring the 70th anniversary of the Flying Tigers March 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua GreenHi-res

An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft flies next to a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk at the 34th Annual Warbird Airshow March 12. The theme of the Airshow was honoring the 70th anniversary of the Flying Tigers and was Maj. Dylan Thorpe's first airshow as the A-10 East Demonstration pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

An A-10C Thunderbolt II flown by Maj. Dylan Thorpe, A-10 East Demonstration Team pilot, has the 23rd Wing displayed on the tail March 12. This was Major Thorpe’s first airshow as the A-10 East Demo Team pilot and the theme for the airshow was honoring the 70th Anniversary of the Flying Tigers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.-- An A-10C Thunderbolt II flown by Maj. Dylan Thorpe, A-10 East Demonstration Team pilot, has the 23rd Wing displayed on the tail March 12. Major Thorpe flew the aircraft at the 2011 Air Combat Command Heritage Flight Conference. (Contributed photo)Hi-res

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Col. Jim Marks, 47th Fighter Squadron, talks about the A-10 Thunderbolt to 60-year-old Michael Bamburg and his grandchildren. (Photo by Adam Duvernay / The Times

By Adam DuvernayThe Shreveport Times

It wasn't the normal air traffic for the Downtown Shreveport Airport.

The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 343, hosted the Wings Over the Red River Fly-In and Airport Open House Saturday, bringing in local pilots and students to examine aircraft and swap stories.

"This is where a lot of young people make the decision to be commercial pilots, military pilots and even some of our astronauts got their start here," said EAA Chapter 343 President George Carroll.

About 25 aircraft touched down, including private, commercial and military planes. Some of them were just for show, but some general aviation aircraft and their pilots took to the skies with eager passengers. Those passengers — Young Eagles aviation students participating in the program sponsored by the EAA — were mostly Parkway High School Air Force Junior ROTC students. All 54 of them got what was, for many, their first real experience with aircraft.

"I had fun, aside from the fact I was screaming the whole time," said Leanza Nye, 16. "Right now I probably wouldn't do this alone, but if I keep going up there I might change my mind."

Brandon Olp, 17, said he got some of his first experiences with military aircraft Saturday, something he said will be useful for his future military career. He said he and his schoolmates learned about aircraft engineering and maintenance in different fields of aviation.

The Air Force sent an A-10 Thunderbolt II, a straight-wing jet aircraft designed to provide close air support against ground targets, for the short flight from Barksdale Air Force Base to the Downtown Airport.

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Maj. Dylan Thorpe, A-10 East Demonstration Team pilot, explains his egress equipment to members of Leadership Lowndes during a base visit March 17. Members of Leadership Lowndes were treated to a full demonstration by the A-10 East Demonstration team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 80-0194 with an A-10 shield on the ladder door.

by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth23rd Wing Public Affairs

3/17/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The bonds between a base and its community are very important. Mutual support benefits both partners in the critical relationship.

To strengthen the ties between the Lowndes County community and its leaders, Moody hosted Defenders Day. This is an event set up by the Leadership Lowndes committee that takes community leaders from around the area to visit Moody Air Force base to gain a better understanding of the 23rd Wing and its many roles. The events that made up this day gave a glimpse of Moody's role in the Air Force to the community.

"It's great to be able to come here and see the mission that is performed here first hand," said LeAnne McCall, Leadership Lowndes class member. "We are all amazed at how much Moody does and the missions they perform."

Each year new members from the community are chosen to be in a class. Those groups have different days where they interact and learn about certain parts of the community. During the Defense Day tour one Moody Airman is selected to join the class and view the base through the local community's perspective.

This year Col. Mark Ruse, 23rd Mission Support Group commander was chosen to accompany the group and help educate the class on what Moody does.

"Some of the people may have lived here their whole lives and think they know the mission that we perform here, said Colonel Ruse. "But with the mission ever changing what they thought we did may have already changed over the past years."

"The base is a big part of the community and we are a big part of them so interacting like this will only strengthen our bonds," added Colonel Ruse. "We get to go out into the community a lot and get to know these people and see what they do but it's not often that we can bring them here and show them what we can do."

This group of civic leaders was able to spend one day on Moody and learn what happens behind the gates. They now know that Moody is not just airplanes. More important, they understand the base is made up of thousands of men and women, who maintain, defend and support the mission every day.

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -Staff Sgt Brian McConnell, member of the 358th Aircraft Maintenance Unit load crew, looks on as members of his team load a GBU-12 bomb onto a Triple Ejector rack during the annual Load Crew competition on the flight line here Jan. 28. Winners of the Load Crew of the Year competition will be announced at the Maintenance Professional of the Year banquet in February. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

3/17/2011 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 355th Maintenance Group serves as the backbone of the Desert Lightning Team. It is comprised of four squadrons; the Component Maintenance Squadron, the Maintenance Operations Squadron, the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the Equipment Maintenance Squadron. The 355 MXG boasts over 1,900 Airmen and provides maintenance support for five aircraft types, ensuring the 355th Fighter Wing mission and that of its tenant units to include the 563rd Rescue Group and the 55th Electronic Combat Group are met.

The Airmen of the 355 MXG provide support for numerous training exercises to include Red/Green Flag, Atlantic Strike, and Emerald Wire. They also enable execution of Air Combat Command's largest A-10C flying hour program, generating more than 11,000 sorties and more than 25,000 flying hours for combat and flying training operations. If it's in the Air...Maintenance put it There!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

According to a personal contact from the United States, ten of the twelve remaining A-10Cs from the 75th EFS have left Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in two batches. They are now on their way back home to Moody AFB Georgia, expect for a stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, within two to three days. Two of the 75th EFS aircraft are still on place at Kandahar for use by the 74th EFS which arrived with 17 jets instead of 18 as originally planned (like the 18 A-10Cs which were originally deployed with the 75th EFS in September 2010). Probably one of the 74th EFS jet, scheduled for the recent ferry flight, was broken somewhere.

If I get all serial numbers of the ten returning "Hogs", I can easily identify the two remainers.

All of that is also a clear sign that the newly deployed 74th EFS with their "fresh" A-10Cs has replaced the 75th EFS at Kandahar for the ongoing "Hog" close air support (CAS) mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The aircraft were here to refuel while their crewmembers bedded down. There were more than 15 members, consisting of an aircrew and maintenance team. The last set of the team departed Lajes for their destination March 11.

The A-10s deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

This is the first unit of A-10s that Lajes has provided support for this year. Last year, Lajes supported more than 80 movements of the aircraft, which is capable of surviving direct hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles.

According to the 65th Operations Support Squadron coronet unit, these A-10s are unique because they still carry the historical "nose art" that dates back to World War II. The Tiger shark face, painted on them, is a trademark for the 23rd Fighter Group's Flying Tigers, which was the popular name of the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Chinese Air Force in 1941-1942.

While here, the Thunderbolts were given top-notch support by Airmen of the 65th Air Base Wing.

The transient alert Airmen coordinated parking spots for the aircraft prior to their arrival, then provided Follow Me service, to get the aircraft to the proper parking spot, where technicians were waiting to marshal them in for shut down.

As part of quality services rendered by Lajes Airmen, the 65th OSS members often help the pilots with their bags, answer any questions and give them a big Lajes welcome.

"It feels good getting to personally greet the pilots and be involved with the process of sending Iron to the Fight! We all know that they are heading away from their homes and families, so we offer as much hospitality as we can," said Tech. Sgt. Shannon Hughes, Lajes Coronet Liaison. "We appreciate and support the mission they are doing."

After the pilots go inside for debriefing, the TA personnel assist with servicing the aircraft, and coordinating any ground support equipment that is required.

The A-10s have self-sealing fuel cells that are protected by internal and external foam. Manual systems back up their redundant hydraulic flight-control systems. This permits pilots to fly and land when hydraulic power is lost.

The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., in October 1975. It was designed for the close air support mission and had the ability to combine large military loads, long loiter and wide combat radius, which proved to be vital assets to the United States and its allies.

"Due to our strategic location, and the services that we provide here, it makes trans-Atlantic crossing possible for the smaller or slower aircraft," said Sergeant Hughes. "We essentially enable 'Global Reach.'"

A coronet package of A-10 Thunderbolts transits Lajes Field, Azores, to refuel on their way to the area of responsibility March 8. This is the first unit of A-10s that Lajes has provided support for this year. Last year, Lajes supported more than 80 movements of the aircraft. (Photo by Guido Melo)Please note: Hi-res version still not available.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida, Italian Air Force exchange pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron, posses in front of a A-10C Thunderbolt II March 1. Captain Guida is an Italian exchange pilot at Moody and the first Italian to fly the A-10 which is similar to the fighter plane he flies at home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk23rd Wing Public Affairs

3/16/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Capitano (Capt.) Maurizio De Guida grew up in Italy directly under the approach path for aircraft landing at the Naples Capodichino International Airport.

Now, he is one of only three Italian exchange pilots in the U.S. and the first Italian to fly the A-10C Thunderbolt II, an aircraft made for a similar function but much larger than an AMX, the fighter plane he flies at home.

"I've wanted to fly my whole life and this experience being stationed with Americans has been very educational for me," said Captain De Guida, Italian exchange pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron pilot. "Although we're thousands of miles from my home, there's something I've noticed- fighter pilots all over the world have the same mentality. It's amazing."

The captain's three-year tour here started in 2009 and it only took him a couple months to figure out his new aircraft. He was hand-chosen by his squadron commander at the time.

"The overall configuration of air-to-ground attack jets is pretty similar, and landing gear levers and throttles do the same things," he said. "So I just had to learn the things in an A-10C that were different from the AMX and then I was able to start really flying and learning new techniques."

Even though Captain De Guida has learned a lot from the pilots here, they've also learned many things from him.

Captain De Guida is a wealth of knowledge since he was once an instructor pilot," said Capt Jarett Biggers, 74th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot. "He has an outside perspective that he adds to this squadron and that has opened our eyes."

Captain De Guida's Italian coworkers also had praise for him, including a former Italian exchange pilot.

"He is one of the most motivated Italian fighter pilots and his fighter attitude has been evident since he was a young student," said Tenente Colonnello Lt. Col. Roberto Magnani, 13th Fighter Squadron commander from Amendola Air Base, Italy. "I've been impressed with his performance since I was his instructor pilot through when I was his squadron commander. Once I had to propose a pilot for this pilot exchange program, I had no hesitation about it."

Colonel Magnani previously flew F-16's. Captain De Guida says his coworkers are proud of him, and his family is too, although for a different reason.

"My mom is a mom, so she worries a lot about me being a fighter pilot," he said, "but both her and my fiancé support me and are happy because they can see I am happy living this great experience. Being here is also beneficial for my career."

The captain has been engaged for about six years now, which he considers a long time by both American and Italian standards.

"I'm proud that my fiancé is proud of me," said Captain De Guida. "She's finishing up law school now and plans to move here possibly later this year. It'll be nice to finally have her living close and getting the chance to learn about American culture."

One of the things he finds most interesting about America is the concept of space here.

"In Italy, we have about 60 million people living on land half the size of Texas," said Captain De Guida. "Here, there are 300 million people living on land much larger than that. Large back yards here are common, but in Italy they are a sign of wealth since space is so limited."

The extra space here is also put to good use for fighter pilots, he said.

"There are lots of nice areas and ranges available for us to practice on," the captain said. "The best training opportunity I've had is when we participated in exercise COMBAT HAMMER and I completed my initial qualifications. I got to practice with some real mavericks and it was a lot of fun."

This assignment is not his first trip to the U.S. He participated in initial training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, during which he learned to fly jets and speak English.

"I came here with a very limited knowledge of English," said Captain De Guida. "I knew a couple phrases but I had only taken a couple classes during high school and a bit more at the (Italian) Air Force Academy. Back then, I was young and it was my dream to experience another country. Now, I'm back here again and having a wonderful experience."

The other two Italian exchange pilots currently operate a C-130 Hercules and a remotely piloted aircraft.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

(From Left), Lt. Col. Laurie Richter, Eleanor Gunderson, Merilys Brown, Helen Glass, Chief Master Sgt. Anne Reddish, Vicky McManaman and Lt. Col Andra Kniep pose for a group photo after the Women's History month Q & A Panel event at the Mirage Club here March 7. The women spoke of their experiences and the obstacles faced while serving in the military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jerilyn Quintanilla)Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/15/2011 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Desert Lightning Team members kicked off the beginning of March Women's History Month by hosting a question and answer panel of female military members at the Mirage Club here March 7.

The seven distinguished guests shared a wealth of information and experiences from wars both past and present. These women are legends and heroes to many. They are battle hardened combat vets that experienced the worst that humanity had to offer, and helped pave the way for women in the military. Some of them fought in World War II, while others are still in active duty and continue to fight in current military conflicts.

The event started out with an introduction of each panel member.

Eleanor Gunderson was a Women's Air Force Service Pilot member during World War II. The WASP program was formed in 1943 to allow qualified female aviators to assist the Air Transport Command in ferrying aircrafts from factories to their final destination. In 1944, Mrs. Gunderson was invited by Jacqueline Cochran, the Director of WASP, to be the only female pilot out of 1102 members to fly aircrafts for the Army and serve during World War II.

Merilys Brown was a nurse in the Army Air Corps during World War II. She was one of a few women to set foot on Omaha Beach just a few days after the D-Day invasion in June 1944. Mrs. Brown was stationed at Prestwick's Bed Field Hospital in Scotland where she helped tend to more than 4,700 patients a day.

Helen Glass enlisted in the Navy on her 20th birthday, in March of 1943. During this time, females in the Navy were referred to as WAVES, which stands for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services. During this time, the majority of the jobs available to women were clerical and medical professions. Mrs. Glass, however, was an exception. Because her mechanical scores were so high, the Navy made her a machinist on the Hellcat and Wildcat fighter aircrafts.

Vicky McManaman was a member of a program established in the 1970's that allowed women to be placed in limited roles in the Air Force. The program was Women in the Air Force, or WAF. During her time in WAF, Ms. McManaman saw many changes in the Air Force first hand, specifically changes made to the women's dress uniform. Up until 1976, women wore the men's service dress.

Chief Master Sgt. Anne Reddish, 355th Fighter Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron, enlisted in the Air Force in 1988 and was stationed at Howard AFB, Panama. She has held multiple positions in the fuels career field and is one out of three females to achieve the rank of Chief Master Sgt. in said field.

A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology ROTC program, Lt. Col. Laurie Richter, commander of the 355th Civil Engineer Squadron, joined the Air Force in 1994. She came in as a civil engineer officer, and has held many different positions in the civil engineering field at base, MAJCOM and Air Staff levels. Colonel Richter is also an Explosive Ordinance Disposal officer. In the EOD officer career field, less than one percent are female.

The last panel member was Lt. Col. Andra "Poptart" Kniep, commander of the 355th Operational Support Squadron. Colonel Kniep entered the Air Force in 1993 after earning her Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Academy. She is a pilot who has flown more than 2,000 hours in multiple aircrafts, but mostly the A/OA-10. Colonel Kniep was the third female to fly the A-10 and has flown combat missions for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch.

After a brief introduction about the panel members, the floor was open to questions from the audience. One of the first questions an audience member asked was directed toward Mrs. Gunderson.

"During your time, were there any female pilots that were killed?" the audience member asked. "And if so, were they awarded the same honors as male pilots?"

"Anyone that was killed didn't get any honors that males received," said Mrs. Gunderson. "Their families where told, come get your daughter, she's dead. If there wasn't enough money to send the deceased home, the rest of the girls would pitch in. It wasn't until last year when we received our medals, that the families of the women who were killed during and after training were given medals. For 30 years, we were written out of history completely, in any book in those days that told about World War II, there was no WASP."

Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Howard, 355th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant, had a question for the active duty members of the panel.

"Obviously, female Airmen are still under-represented in the Air Force, with fighter pilots, one percent in Explosive Ordinance Disposal and three Petroleum Oils and Lubricants chiefs, what do you feel are the next career fields that women should be able to do?," asked Chief Howard.

"The only Air Force Specialty Code's that women are prohibited from doing are traditional battlefield Airmen such as, Pararescuemen, Combat Controllers, Tactical Air Control Party and combat weather," said Col. Richter. "To me, that's the next step. Get rid of the term battlefield Airmen and consider us all Airmen because we're all at combat. So if you set a standard, whether physical or sometimes emotional standard in a career field and women can pass it, let them join."

One of the last questions for the day was directed toward Colonel Kniep. An audience member asked if she was denied the chance to fly a combat plane, would she still be in the Air Force today.

"When push comes to shove, I raised my right hand to join the Air Force," said Colonel Kniep. "I didn't join an A-10 squadron, I didn't join a fighter pilots association, I joined the Air Force. The one thing that keeps me in the Air Force isn't flying the A-10; it's the desire to serve. Looking around at all of you and the people that I admire most that have gone before me, and realize that if they can do it and if they can get up every morning and put on the uniform, then so can I and they inspire me. That's why I keep doing it and it has nothing to do with the airplane I fly."

After the question and answer event was over, each speaker received a bouquet of flowers and a book entitled 'Arizona, The Beauty of it All' signed by Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing Commander.

"For me, it's overwhelming to have these women sit beside you and tell you all this history about what they've gone through to get to where they are today," said MSgt. Roxanne McHugh, 355th Fighter Wing superintendant of plans and programs, and organizer of the event.

"It's important to have events like this and to celebrate Women's History because we need to show female Airmen, this is where we've been, this is where we are now and this is where we're going," said Sergeant McHugh. "Without them, we wouldn't have that past, present and future. It's not just the females; it's the males as well. It's important as men to know the trials and tribulations that women have gone through throughout history so they can educate themselves and future Airmen to come."

Please note:According to this official USAF news article, Lt. Col Andra Kniep was the third female to fly the A-10 and has flown combat missions for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch. I just remember her name and I will try my archives to post some older stuff about female "Hog" pilots.

The DFCS 2010 Convention, held in Riverside, CA, October 24-27, 2010, was deemed a success by the many members who attended. [...]

The second event of the day was a dinner honoring "Women in Aviation" at the Hap Arnold Club on the March ARB. The first Guest Speaker, Margo de Moss, who was a WASP, described the long-delayed honor bestowed on women this year in Washington, DC. She was followed by our Principal Guest Speaker, LtCol Andra Kniep USAF. Andra is an A-10 "Warthog pilot", mother of twin 4-year-old boys, and a DFCS member who was awarded two DFC's in two days in Afghanistan. Her presentation (slides and video) about her career as a pilot, wife, mother and the actions entailed in her being awarded two DFC's had the audience spellbound. When she was finished, the audience gave Andra a standing ovation and a second standing ovation when the "Q&A" period ended. Stationed in Tucson with her husband, also an A-10 pilot, she is a superb example of what makes the current generation of warriors so great. [...]

* * *

The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Andra V.P. Kniep for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A/OA-10 Forward Air Control-Airborne and Flight Lead, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 332d Air Expeditionary Group, on 5 March 2002. On that date, flying as Cherry 01, her professional skill and airmanship enabled her to successfully engage and destroy enemy vehicles and an infantry force concentration while working in close proximity to friendly ground forces. After two air refuelings and a 4.5-hour deployment sortie to the target area, Captain Kniep spent the first hour on station controlling strike and bomber aircraft and deconflicting close air support aircraft from unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft bombing preplanned targets. The airborne command and control director tasked Captain Kniep to rendezvous with an unmanned aerial vehicle with eyes on enemy troops. She skill-fully used night vision devices with the unmanned aerial vehicle's night marker to identify vehicles and infantry in a network of steep ravines, inaccessible to attack except on a narrow axis. Noting that the target area was only 2 kilometers from friendly troops, Captain Kniep fired a marking rocket, confirming the target for the unmanned aerial vehicle controller and her wing man. She then maneuvered her wingman into position to drop two bombs and then followed him with two of her own 500-pound bombs. Both pilots scored direct hits on the targets with numerous confirmed destroyed enemy vehicles and infantry casualties. Captain Kniep then refueled again and led her flight to a night recovery at a remote, unfamiliar, classified location to complete the 7.9-hour deployment sortie. By inflicting heavy losses on Taliban and al Queda forces, Captain Kniep saved coalition lives and advanced the United States goals in the war on terrorism. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kniep reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.

* * *

The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Andra V.P. Kniep for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as A/OA-10 Forward Air Control-Airborne and Flight Lead, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 332d Air Expeditionary Group, on 6 March 2002. On that date, flying as Sandy 03, her professional skill and airmanship enabled her to take control of the Operation Anaconda airspace and direct devastating fires against enemy forces. Launching from an austere classified forward operating location, she took control of the entire area of responsibility when the airborne command and control aircraft went off station to refuel. Her keen situational awareness enabled her to establish a clear airspace plan to prevent fratricide between eleven strike aircraft and three unmanned aerial vehicles. Captain Kniep quickly realized that fighters operating in the target were unaware of B-52 and B-1 bomber preplanned targets. With superior airmanship, she deconflicted all aircraft and generated a plan for coalition bombers to attack their higher headquarters assigned targets and avoid ongoing close air support operations. Captain Kniep intuitively devised a communications plan to provide discreet communication between ground forward air controllers and their fighters while clearing other frequency for additional taskings. She skillfully controlled F-15E, F-16, B-1 and B-52 strikes employing scores of weapons to destroy a weapons cache, multiple vehicles and troop concentrations with punishing hits. These strikes enabled coalition forces to maintain offensive pressure on the enemy. Completing her control of the area, Captain Kniep located and escorted a friendly ground convoy of four vehicles out of the threat area and back to their base camp. Captain Kniep's superb control of a highly congested target area saved coalition lives and advanced the United States goals in the war on global terrorism. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kniep reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.

Please note:At that time, the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was originally deployed for Operation Southern Watch to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Group at Ahmed Al-Jaber AB, Kuwait, later also involved in Operation Enduring Freedom. According to my own research work, the mentioned "classified location" was Shahbaz Air Base, Jacobabad, Pakistan, 28°16'37.32"N 68°27'05.04"E, called Jacobabad AB by the U.S. Military.

Maj. Kim Reed-Campbell

While flying a mission over Baghdad on April 7, 2003, her A-10 was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, rolled left, and pointed toward the ground. The A-10 sustained damage to one engine and to the redundant hydraulic systems, disabling the flight controls, landing gear and brakes, and horizontal stabilizer. However, Captain Campbell found that the manual flight controls still worked and she was able to fly her crippled A-10 back to base, 100 miles away. On the ground, an inspection of the aircraft revealed hundreds of holes in the airframe and that large sections of the stabilizer and hydraulic controls were missing.

DFC citation:Captain Kim N. Campbell is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A/OA-10 fighter pilot, 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 332d Expeditionary Operations Group, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait on 7 April 2003. On that date, at North Baghdad Bridge, Iraq, flying as Yard 06, Captain Campbell's professional skill and airmanship directly contributed to the successful close air support of ground forces from the 3d Infantry Division and recovery of an A-10 with heavy battle damage. While ingressing her original target area, Captain Campbell was diverted to a troops-in-contact situation where enemy forces had positioned themselves within 400 meters of the advancing friendly forces and were successfully preventing the lead elements of the 3d Infantry Division from crossing the North Baghdad Bridge. Unable to eliminate the enemy without severe losses, the ground forward air controller had requested immediate close air support. After a quick situation update and target area study, Captain Campbell expertly employed 2.75 inch high explosive rockets on the enemy position that had been threatening the advancing forces, scoring a direct hit and silencing the opposition. During her recovery from the weapons delivery pass, a surface-to-air missile impacted the tail of Captain Campbell's aircraft. Immediately taking corrective action, she isolated the hydraulic systems and placed the A-10 into the manual reversion flight control mode of flight and prepared for the long and tenuous return flight to Kuwait. Captain Campbell's aviation prowess and coolness under pressure directly contributed to the successful completion of the critical mission and recovery of a valuable combat aircraft. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Campbell reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.

In doing so, the U.S. Air Force Academy and Harvard graduate became the first woman to command an Air Force fighter squadron.

"There is no doubt in my mind that (Colonel McSally is) the perfect officer to take this command at this time," said Col. Steven Ruehl, 355th Operations Group commander, during the ceremony. "(She has) three attributes that I look for in a commander: commitment, integrity and experience. (Her) commitment is without a doubt the highest level of what I've seen."

Colonel McSalley said she looks forward to the challenges ahead of her, but she also looks forward to "the day when there are no questions in dealing with our gender and serving -- a time when we are just fighting side-by-side, and it's not a precedent."

1st Air Force female pilot in combat reflects on careerby Carl BergquistAir University Public Affairs

12/6/2006 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) -- As she attends Air War College here, the first female pilot in the Department of Defense to fly in combat reflected on some of her career experiences so far.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, Lt. Col. Martha McSally is also the first female in the Air Force to serve as the commander of any combat aviation squadron, to include fighters and bombers.

"The first role of women as military flyers was during World War II as Women Airforce Service Pilots, an organization disbanded after the war," Colonel McSally said. "When women resumed flying in the Air Force, a law prohibited them from flying in combat," she said. "In 1984, I was attending the U.S. Air Force Academy and told my first flight instructor that I was going to be a fighter pilot. He just laughed, but after Congress repealed the prohibition law in 1991, and I was named as one of seven women who would be put through fighter training, he looked me up and said he was amazed I had accomplished my goal."

Colonel McSally was selected for fighter pilot school in 1993, but it was another year before she actually arrived. After completion of her training, she was deployed to Kuwait in January 1995.

"I was a young and new fighter pilot and here I was in Kuwait," she said. "On my first flight over Iraq, we were enforcing the no-fly zone, and as I crossed the Kuwait/Iraq border, I'll never forget the feeling I had that I had asked for this and now I was here."

In July 2004, she took command of the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. -- becoming the first woman to command a fighter squadron.

One of her most memorable missions was also the first time she deployed weapons in combat. Her squadron was called in to take out insurgents in very rugged terrain in Afghanistan, but the bad guys were surrounded by good guys.

"We needed to identify all the many friendly positions working with a controller on the ground. We got eyes on the area, and needed to then ensure we had the right target area, given the friendlies were so close and in multiple directions in a winding steep canyon," Colonel McSally said. "Friendlies were now climbing up the canyon to get away from the enemy and get outside the safe distance of our gun. I shot some rockets to confirm the enemy location, and we honed the target."

Then, things got even more complicated.

"On my last rocket pass, my heads up display failed with all of our computerized weapons sights. I had to rely on the very archaic backup called 'standby pipper,' which was a hard sight. I needed to quickly get ready to shoot the gun manually, where I had to be at an exact dive angle, airspeed, and altitude when opening fire in order to be accurate. We destroyed the enemy on several passes. We train for this type of malfunction, but I never would have imagined shooting the gun in standby pipper in combat like this."

Colonel McSally said the squadron won the 2005 Air Force Association's David C. Shilling award that is given for the best aerospace contribution to national defense.

"During the squadron's time in Afghanistan, we flew just short of 2,000 sorties, accumulated more than 7,000 combat flight hours, and expended more than 23,000 rounds of 30 mm ammunition," she said. "It was an amazing environment there. A friendly country but plenty of insurgents trying to thwart the country's progress, and it was our job to support those friendly to us."

Colonel McSally said a good example of that support involved the elections in Afghanistan. The 354th FS had to provide coverage for voters and also protect convoys bringing votes back to the capital to be counted.

Colonel McSally, who has been in the Air Force 18 years and pins on full colonel in December, said she has made the group commanders list and is waiting to see where that leads. She said she is grateful to all the women who served before her and made it possible for her to become an Air Force pilot.

"But, I hope I'm a role model to both men and women because we are a fighting force and should not be concerned with differences between us," Colonel McSally said.

Air War College educates selected senior officers to lead at the strategic level in the employment of air and space forces. The curriculum focuses on coalition warfighting and national security issues, with emphasis on the effective employment of aerospace forces in joint and combined combat operations.

Monday, March 14, 2011

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Nearly 300 members of the 23rd Maintenance Group load a commercial aircraft as they leave for a six month deployment to Afghanistan March 14. The aircraft will make several stops before landing in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)Hi-res

by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth23rd Wing Public Affairs

3/14/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Members of the 23rd Maintenance Group left more than 6 months ago on a deployment to Afghanistan where they serviced and maintained their aircraft in harm's way.

Those Airmen that didn't deploy then are now heading to Afghanistan to replace their sister flights.

The 23rd MXG deployed more than 300 people during their last major deployment at the end of 2010 and will almost match that by deploying more than 250 maintainers, crew chiefs and pilots.

"This is not our first rodeo and it won't be our last," said Master Sgt. William MacCarty 74th Aircraft Maintenance unit A-10C Thunderbolt II production superintendent. "The 23rd MXG is more than capable to accomplish the tasks it is given."

The 23rd MXG is made up of approximately 2,500 people with units currently deployed and geographically separated at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base.

"I volunteered for this deployment because all of these guys have amazing talents and their capabilities are endless," said Sergeant MacCarty. "I'm looking forward to relieving our sister flight so they can be back with their families after all this time."

For some of these members this is their first deployment. Airman 1st Class Aaron Freebern, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is one of those Airmen. This is his first deployment but he's not worried because he will do what he always does.

"This deployment is going to be nothing new we will keep the planes in the air just like always doing the same thing as we always do," said Airman Freebern. "Plus we get to deploy as a whole group so I will get to work alongside guys I know and have worked with."

This enthusiasm is what makes the 23rd MXG such a successful group of men and women. Every Airman on the job is critical and performance means everything.

"Manning is always an issue with any unit that is why we have to be really good at what we do," said 2nd Lt. Peter Kingsley, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron officer on charge. "We are able to do more with fewer guys and that makes this squadron so great."

This will also be Lieutenant Kingsley's first deployment but he is confident he and his fellow Airmen will do their best. Replacing their fellow maintainers to continue the fight.

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- Capt. Kyle Rykaczewski, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot, reads a book as he flies with nearly 300 members of the 23rd Maintenance Group to a six month deployment in Afghanistan March 14. Many members listened to music, played movies and found other ways to pass the time during the long flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Wiseman)Hi-res

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.